Ministry to distribute free mosquito-repellent lotion sachets

The Ministry of Health's Department of Preventive Health and Environment will distribute the sachets in Ha Noi, HCM City, Can Tho and 12 other Mekong Delta provinces. — Photo ktdt.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — Two million sachets of mosquito-repellent lotion, worth VND4 billion, or US$190,400, will be distributed free-of-charge to residents as part of the efforts to prevent dengue fever.

The Ministry of Health's Department of Preventive Health and Environment will distribute the sachets in Ha Noi, HCM City, Can Tho and 12 other Mekong Delta provinces which have reported the highest dengue fever infections, including Tien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Ben Tre. The aim is to help the people protect themselves, especially during the rainy season when the outbreaks of such diseases are usually observed.

The sachets are being sponsored by the Soffell lotion and spray mosquito repellent brand.

Associate professor Nguyen Huy Nga, director of the Department of Preventive Health and Environment, said that dengue fever was dangerous as there was no vaccine or medicine against the fatal disease yet.

"The only way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten bythe Aedesmosquitoes," he said.

As many as 50,000 to 100,000 people in the country suffer from dengue fever every year, and nearly 100 of them die, according to the statistics of the Department of Preventive Health and Environment. — VNS